Enjoy the holidays and save energy

‘Tis the season for keeping energy costs down while entertaining this holiday season:

Remember the time-of-use schedule, and take advantage of off-peak periods on the weekends and Dec. 25 and 26. Remember that Dec. 24, 27 and 28 are not considered holidays.

• On-peak is 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to

7 p.m.

• Mid-peak is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Off-peak is 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

• When cooking on your stove top, match the size of the pan to the heating element – more heat will get to the pan and less will be lost.

• Check on baking treats by looking through the window of your oven. Opening the oven door, even for a few seconds, will lower the internal temperature of the oven and require more energy to be used to bring it back up to the right temperature.

• Delicious leftovers? Allow leftovers to cool before placing them in the fridge or freezer.

• Pass on preheating. While preheating may be necessary for baking, it's not needed for things like roasts or casseroles.